Support My Organizational Resiliency Study in Switzerland

Matthew Johnson Start Date: Oct 26, 2024 - End Date: Feb 25, 2025
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Zürich, Switzerland
  • Geneva, Switzerland

My Travel Story

by: Matthew Johnson Start Date: Oct 26, 2024 - End Date: Feb 25, 2025
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
My name is Matthew Johnson and I’m a working MBA candidate seeking support in furthering my professional development. Currently in my first year at North Carolina State University's Poole College of Management, I have been granted an amazing, highly influential opportunity to attend a week long study abroad program in March 2025. Will you help me with program costs?

The course, Management of Mega-Trends Impacting Organizational Resiliency, involves a trip to Switzerland, focused on organizational resiliency in Zurich and Geneva.

As one of the many Americans still paying off my student loans, any contributions to my study abroad fund will help me cover the cost for travel and needed materials (textbooks, etc.) and help me complete this MBA program with an even more diverse resume.

Any and all support is deeply appreciated.

About Me: 
I'm your stereotypical 'nerd' - a somewhat sane 'Star Wars' and 'Pokémon’ fan. I also fancy myself an amateur chef; loving all things cooking & eating (but not cleaning the dishes afterwards). I've played baseball my entire life up through my (bench warming) collegiate career at UNC Charlotte and have always enjoyed watching my hometown Carolina Panthers disappoint the Carolina fanbase.

In the professional world, I am Supervisor of GIS Data Integrity and have the honor to work for my team of around 40, serving as their leader at our Fortune 500 company in the Utilities/Energy sector.

My current degrees include:
A.A - Mitchell Community College, 2012 (graduated at the same time w/ my High School Diploma)
B.S. Geography - UNC Charlotte, 2016
Graduate Certificate Professional Communication and Managerial Skills - NC State, 2019
Masters Geospatial Information Science and Technology - NC State, 2020

As a dynamic leader in GIS and Personnel Management, I leverage high-impact experience to drive process improvement and leadership initiatives. I excel in leading cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. By optimizing workflows and enhancing KPIs by up to 496%, I empower my teams to achieve operational excellence. With a strategic mindset and a strong educational foundation, including an MBA in progress, I lead with purpose, ensuring data accuracy while inspiring growth across departments.

My academic and professional journey has equipped me with a solid foundation, and with my current role, it is vital for me to understand how organizations can remain resilient in an increasingly volatile global environment and economy. Through previous coursework and leadership experiences I have developed strong analytical skills and a keen interest in exploring cultural, economic, and structural factors in different settings. As someone who thrives in collaborative environments, I am eager to engage with other like-minded participants, share ideas, and contribute to group discussions that foster a deeper understanding of resiliency strategies throughout the world.

I am particularly excited about the unique opportunity this program offers to explore two of Switzerland’s most dynamic and beautiful cities, Zurich and Geneva, which are at the forefront of global business and international diplomacy. Engaging with leaders, learning from Swiss organizations, and visiting institutions like the United Nations and other international organizations will deepen my understanding of how organizational resiliency is cultivated on a global scale. And I look forward to expanding my world view through this opportunity.

From this experience, I hope to gain practical insights that will enhance both my academic research and career aspirations. I know this experience will be one that I can turn to through my professional life, recalling the mechanisms and practices explored that have allowed global organizations to thrive.

This opportunity is invaluable and I hope to grow from it without a financial strain.
  • Zürich, Switzerland
  • Geneva, Switzerland

More Travel Information